Location: 110 N College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
With many locations around the country BLT Steak is a well-known steakhouse that delivers a quality eating experience. Normally I am not a fan of chain restaurants, even a high end one, but BLT steak is the exception. I have only been to BLT Steak twice in my life, both times in Charlotte, but I have experience enough to know that this is a top notch restaurant that delivers high quality, albeit at a cost. Of the two times I have been there, one was near perfect, while the other was good, but not without its flaws.
The Good: My first visit to BLT Steak felt more like an event than a meal. I am not sure if it was our celebration or they were just having a good day, but everything seemed to be perfect. Before the first course arrived we were treated to an excellent pate’. It’s a nice touch, as I always welcome a complimentary surprise. In lieu of bread the guests are served poppers. which when hot, are hard to resist. Both visits we indulged in the grilled double cut bacon, which has yet to disappoint. Both the filet and the rib eye are outstanding and seem larger than their stated weight. The sides are also excellent, but it seems maybe too good, due to shortages.
With both of my experiences the service was flawless and friendly. Located inside the Ritz Carlton, the atmosphere is classy, yet fun. The hotel bar right outside the restaurant has live music and is a perfect place to grab an after dinner drink.
The Bad: My second visit to BLT was on Valentine’s Day, which may have influenced the experience. First, I would like to go on record as saying most restaurants suffer with quality on Valentine’s Day. The service is often rushed and/or the food isn’t as good; BLT was not exempt from this rule. While the dinner was still delicious and we were treated exceptionally, some of the magic was gone from the first time. The restaurant was busy, but not full by any stretch of the imagination. There were a number of minor missteps that could have easily been remedied. The first problem was the restaurant running out of our favorite side dish, the hen of the woods mushrooms, which should be ordered when available. At 7 PM on Valentine’s Day you would think they would do a better job keeping up the supply. Secondly, the pate’ we loved on our first visit was absent. Once again I’m not sure if it was the holiday or if we just got lucky on our first visit, but it was missed. Lastly, the poppers were cold, which was very disappointing. One of my favorite things about my first meal were the hot poppers, my last visit they were bland and not worth the stomach real estate. These may seem like minor issues, and they are, given the meal itself was very good. When you had an amazing experience on your first visit, you want to re-live it. Minor issues like those mentioned separate a very good experience from an exceptional one. An additional small detail is the menu isn’t terribly unique. Although everything is good, the food is also fairly standard.
The Ugly: It gets ugly when you have to rip out your own kidney to pay the bill. Beautiful steak houses in the Ritz don’t come cheap. BLT Steak, compared to others in its class, is one of the more expensive places. When entrees start making their way toward $60 and don’t come with a side, it starts to border on excessive. Going to BLT can be an experience when they do it correctly. For around $100 a person (with drinks) it better be done correctly every time. I love the restaurant, I just wouldn’t go more than once a year due to the expense.
The Verdict 7.5 out 10, High End: BLT Steak is a beautiful restaurant with great food, in an amazing location, in addition the service doesn’t disappoint. It is everything you would expect for a fine dining experience. You won’t go wrong if visiting for a special event. That being said the high prices, standard menu, and inconsistency make it lose some points in my book, when compared to similar establishments.